Self-Defense is Murder When You're A TWOC.

Eisha Love, a Trans-Woman, sits in Cook County Jail, Division 9, and there she awaits trial. Why? Because she defended herself from becoming another TWOC fatal victim of a hate crime. 

While on the city of Chicago's West-side, she and a friend were accosted by a barrage of slurs and epithets at a nearby gas station. Two neighborhood men violently harassed the young woman and company, yelling that she was not welcome in her own community because she is transgender. Refusing to be berated by speaking up for herself, Eisha was struck in the face by one of the men. She proceeded to fight back, the result: the accompanying man called for back up.

In an attempt to get away, the young woman and friend got in their car and tried to escape further violence. By this time, another vehicle full of the assaulting individual's friends had pulled up, thus blocking her from behind. To the side of her was the man now pulling at her door in an attempt to force her out of the car. In a panicked frenzy to get away, she ran her car into the man thus pinning his leg to the wall. 

Amidst the chaos of the situation, the two women fled from the vehicle and hid from their attackers until she was met by safety. At the urge of her mother, she eventually turned herself in. Here, she was to discover that her attacker was not only injured during her attempt to escape, but the injury cost him his leg. It had to be removed. 

Now, a young transwoman sits, 26 years old, detained in the Cook County Jail, facing 10 years imprisonment for 1st degree attempted murder. Her crime? Self-defense.

This crime comes on the heels of rampant violence against TWOC on our city's west-side. This tragedy of injustice follows the murder of Paige Clay and preceded the death of her friend that accompanied her that very day. Yes, she was later found murdered, her death goes unsolved. Just this summer, 6 transwomen have been murdered, the victims of trans-based hate crimes. 

So, here she is.... another victim of being fed up. Here she is, another victim of the devastating reality of the social injustice transwomen of color (TWOC) face on a daily basis.

Channyn Lynne Parker writes about her experience meeting with Eisha:

"I could go on and on with all of the crushing details that this case entails. While sitting with this woman today, it took all that was within me not to cry. She holds fast to her innocence as her public defender offers little defense. Again community, I urge you to offer your support. With her permission, I have offered to gather whatever resources I can to help her go public with this. All I know is that a trans-woman sits, eyes glazed with fear, uncertain of her future. As always, hold her in loving light and prayer. Write her, as your letters of support are welcome. Rally whomever and whatever support you can offer!!!!!!"

So what do you say? Will YOU join us in our mission to #FreeEisha ? Sign this petition today and share with your friends and family on all social media platforms. You can also send her letters of support and solidarity to the following address:

Darveris Love
2012-0329098
P.O. Box 08900
Chicago, Illinois 60608

Together we can get Cook County Department of Corrections's attention and get justice for Eisha. No one should face attempted murder charges for defending themselves, including transwomen.